Partition structure

ABSTRACT

Partition structure including two upright members secured together along adjacent vertical edges. A narrow member forms a part of a juncture between said upright members and extends between the vertical edges thereof, recessed from opposite faces that form major surfaces of the partition structure. The narrow member includes two inwardly facing channel portions, each having a flat vertical wall portion parallel with the major surfaces of the partition structure and extending between vertical edges of the upright members. A plurality of vertically aligned apertures extend through one or both of said vertical wall portions of the narrow member to receive support brackets, mounting clips, or the like for securing shelving, cabinets, panels, or the like, to the partition structure.

United States Patent Pollock PARTITION STRUCTURE [72] Inventor: Gordon J. Pollock, Parma Heights,

Ohio

[73] Assignee: The Mills Company, Cleveland,

Ohio

[22] Filed: July 27, 1970 [2|] Appl. No.: 58,601

[52] US. Cl ..52/36 [5!] Int. Cl. ..A47|J 5/00 [58] Field of Search ..52/36, 6, 29, 716

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,468,507 9/l969 Gerdman ..52/36 3,] 74,592 3/1965 Berman et al. ..52/36 3,407,547 10/1968 Doke et al. ..52/36 [451 Oct. 3, 1972 Primary Examiner-Patrick D. Lawson Attorney-Watts, Hoffmann, Fisher & Heinke [57] ABSTRACT Partition structure including two upright members secured together along adjacent vertical edges. A narrow member forms a part of a juncture between said upright members and extends between the vertical edges thereof, recessed from opposite faces that form major surfaces of the partition structure. The narrow member includes two inwardly facing channel portions, each having a flat vertical wall portion parallel with the major surfaces of the partition structure and extending between vertical edges of the upright members. A plurality of vertically aligned apertures extend through one or both of said vertical wall portions of the narrow member to receive support brackets, mounting clips, or the like for securing shelving, cabinets, panels, or the like, to the partition structure.

7 Chins, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEI'lucra 1912 3.694 975 snm 1 UP 4 INVENTOK GOEDON .J. oLLocz BYQVMJQW/ find/ W7 6 1440 W0,

A TTOENEYS.

PATENTEDncI 3 1972 SHEET 2 BF 4 l min INVENTOR. @OZUON J. BULLOCK BY W1 Q/ m ATT02HEY5.

PMENTEUIIBT 3 m2 SHEU 3 BF 4 INVENTOR. EOE/JON v. POLLOCK a i M 4TTOENEY5.

sum u or 4 INVENTOR. GOQOON J. POLLOCK QMQ/W 9484M. M40.

7 V w 2k .1. I ll lw l wlllmrll|ml| A 7' TOE M5715.

PATENTEDHIII 3 I972 PARTITION STRUCTURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1 Field of the Invention.

This invention relates to partition structures, especially partition structures that can be readily disassembled and relocated, often referred to in the trade as movable" walls or partitions.

2. Description of the Prior Art.

Partition structures such as panel assemblies and the like are used to divide areas, especially within buildings, to form, for example, offices, classrooms, and the like. Partitions of the so-called movable type that can be disassembled and relocated are comprised of panels, posts, etc., and are typically connected together in particular combinations and arrangements to divide a given space in the manner desired. Many modern partition-forming members are metal, filled with insulation and prefinished in a desired color, pattern, or texture. It is at best difficult to attach articles, such as shelves and cabinets, to metal panels and in many cases attempts to do so result in substantial damage to the panel finish or structure or to other members forming the partition. Separate mounting plates, strips or the like have been proposed for attachment to surfaces of such panels to facilitate the securing of articles, but the need to attach such separate members is itself a disadvantage and represents an additional expense. Furthermore, the result is often unattractive. A definite need exists for an attractive partition structure that readily and inherently facilitates the support and attachment of items to the partition without the above-mentioned disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to partition structure that incorporates integral mounting means that will accommodate the attachment and support of a wide variety of articles such as cabinets, shelves, chalk boards, trays, tackboards, and the like. A principal feature of this invention is the incorporation of the mounting means into joint-forming structure between principal members that form a partition, for example, into structure that joins and/or is between adjacent panels or a panel and a support member.

In a preferred embodiment, a narrow member that appears externally as a vertical strip extends between partition-forming members, recessed from opposite faces. Opposite vertical edges of the narrow member, which are located adjacent opposite faces of the partition members, are channel shaped. open inwardly and provide a flat narrow wall or strip between the partition members, parallel and recessed with respect to the outer faces of the partition members. A plurality of vertically aligned apertures extend through at least one and preferably both of the flat narrow walls of the two channel shaped portions of the narrow member to receive support brackets, mounting clips, or the like used to secure cabinets, shelving, etc., to the partition structure. Where apertures are provided in both channel portions of the narrow member, support brackets can be secured on both sides of the partition. In the preferred construction, the narrow member is a single piece secured to an edge of one panel member at each joint and may be affixed either during fabrication or at the place of installation. If affixed at the place of installation it can be secured to either vertical edge of a panel member, which is reversible until the narrow member is affixed. In either case, the portions of the narrow member adjacent opposite faces of the joined partition members can be separate pieces individually secured in place, rather than part of a single narrow member, as in the preferred construction.

With the present construction, a convenient and attractive means is provided for securing structures or articles of various types to a partition structure without the need to affix separate mounting means or brackets thereto and without defacing or damaging the partition structure. By incorporating the supporting means into joints between partition-forming members, a selection of spaced locations is available for securing structures or articles to the partition structure without modifying existing panels or support members.

The above and other features and advantages of this invention will become better understood by reference to the detailed description that follows, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a partition structure embodying the present invention and illustrating by way of example a structure having a mounting clip adapted to be attached to the partition structure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view with parts broken away of a combined juncture strip and support channel that forms a part of the joint structure of the partition structure ofFlG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view with parts broken away showing the structure forming the joint between two panels of the partition structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the joint structure shown in FIG. 3 illustrating the arrangement of the parts when two vertical edges of panels are adjacent, and prior to interconnecting the parts with a vertically movable spline;

FIG. 5 is a plan view similar to FIG. 4, illustrating the arrangements of the joint structure when a vertically and laterally movable spline is moved to lock the two panel portions together;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 4, illustrating the structure for latching the two panels together;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 5 and illustrating the parts as shown in FIG. 6, in a locking position; and

FIG. 8 is a more detailed perspective view of the bracket or mounting clip illustrated in FIG. 1 for securing a cabinet or board to the partition structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Partition structure 10 embodying the present invention is shown in FIG. I and i specifically constructed with integral mounting means for accommodating the attachment and support of a wide variety of articles, such as cabinets, shelves, chalk boards, trays, tackboards and the like. A portion of a cabinet 12 is shown, by way of example, spaced from the partition structure for purposes of illustration, to indicate the manner in which articles can be attached to the structure. The partition structure is preferably constructed of sheet metal, is prefinished, and portable, and is typically used to form internal walls of offices, schools or other buildings, to divide the interior into separate areas. Two wall-forming panels l4, l6 and a support post 18 are shown to exemplify partition structure embodying the present invention, but it will be understood that other members, such as door frames, window panels and the like can also form a portion of the partition structure.

The partition-forming members, i.e., the panels l4, l6 and the post 18, are shown vertically or upright in the position in which they are installed, and typically rest on a supporting floor. The members shown are constructed to extend between a supporting floor and a ceiling, but alternatively the invention can be embodied in so-called "cornice high" partitions, which terminate short of the ceiling. Each of the members 14, I6, 18 has opposite parallel upright surfaces that form opposite walls of the partition. Thus, the panel 14 has a front surface 14a and a back surface 14b; the panel 16 has a front surface 16a and a back surface 16b and the post 18 has a front surface 180 and a back surface 18b. The front surfaces of each member lie in a common plane, as do the back surfaces. Each of the members 14, I6, I8 is constructed to be joined with another along at least one vertical edge and typically along two, as illustrated. Thus, a vertical edge 140 of panel [4 is positioned adjacent to but spaced from a vertical edge 16d of panel member 16. Similarly, a vertical edge I61: of panel 16 is positioned adjacent to but laterally spaced from a vertical edge 18d of the post 18. The opposite vertical edge 18c of the post 18 is, by way of example, adapted to be joined with another panel, not shown. Other post constructions may be used, for example, to form a corner and would facilitate joining a panel at right angles to the panel 16.

Joint structure, indicated generally by reference numerals 20, 20', is provided between the adjacent edges of the partition-forming members shown and incorporates interengageable parts for securing the members together. A part of the structure at the joint is constructed to accommodate attachment and support of articles, such as the cabinet 12, shown. The joint structure 20 includes two vertical edge channels 22, 23, a vertically and laterally movable latching spline member 26 and a combination juncture or so-called feature" strip and support channel 28. The edge channels 22, 23 are secured to and each forms an edge portion of the respective panel I4, 16. The joint structure 20' between the panel 16 and the post 18 includes edge channels 24, 25, is identical in construction to the joint structure 20, and need not be described in detail. The combined juncture strip and support channel 28, shown in detail in FIG. 2, spans the distance between the adjacent partition-forming members and is recessed from the planes of the opposite parallel surfaces, i.e., the planes of the surfaces 14a, 14b. A plurality of vertically aligned apertures 30 are formed in the support channel 28 for receiving mounting clips, such as the mounting clip 32 secured to the back of the cabinet 12. The construction of the spline member 26 and the manner in which it cooperates with the other members of the joint structure to latch or lock the partitionforming members together, will be described in more detail subsequently.

The panel members I4, 16 are prefabricated and made of sheet metal, such as steel. As best shown in FIG. 1 with respect to the panel members 14 and 16, the opposite parallel surfaces 14a, 14b and 16a, 16b are formed by to metal sheets 31, 32 and 33, 34, respectively. Each of the sheets terminates in a vertical edge channel portion. Two channel portions 31a, 32a at one edge of the panel member 14 are shown in FIG. 1, as are channel portions 33a, 33b and 34a, 34b at opposite side edges of the panel member 16. These channel portions engage the respective edge channels 22, 23, 24, and suitably secure them to the sheet metal face members. Horizontal stiffeners (not shown) may be provided within each panel. Space between the opposite sheets 32, 33 is occupied by an inorganic filler 35. Top channels 38 are recessed into each panel along the upper edges thereof and provide an elongated opening 39, that receives a ceiling channel 40 shown in FIG. 3, adjustable in height. The lower end of each panel I4, 16 is typically carried on a floor shoe (not shown) welded to the bottom of the panel.

Each of the vertical edge channels 22-25 is identical in construction, except for facing in opposite directions on opposite vertical edges of the panel members or post member, and only the opposed edge channels 22, 23 shown in FIG. 3 and in part forming the joint structure 20 will be described in detail. Only a portion of the vertical length of the channels and associates panels is shown in FIG. 3, and it will be understood that latching or locking mechanisms shown therein are provided at a plurality of locations along the vertical height of the members.

As shown, the edge channel 22 has a pair of laterally spaced, vertically extending, slots 44 in a transverse web portion 220 that spans the distance between the opposite wall-forming metal sheets 31, 32. The web portion 22a of the edge channel 22 is recessed from the vertically extending edge surface of the panel formed by the channel portions 31a, 32a. Edge channel 23 includes a pair of slots 46 in a web portion 230, as shown in FIG. 3, corresponding to the slots 44 in the edge channel 22. Both pairs of slots 44, 46 receive hook members associated with the joint structure 20.

The combination juncture strip and support channel 28 is secured to one edge channel of a partition-forming member at a joint, such as to the edge channel 23 of the panel 16. The channel 28 is formed by a main channel-shaped securing portion that includes a web 280 and two perpendicular flanges 28a and 28a", and two narrow, facing, channel portions 28b, 28c along each flange 28a and 28a", offset from the web 280. The web 28a is adapted to fit against the web portion 230 of the vertical edge channel 23, with one side of each of the facing channel portions 28b and 280 abutting the channel portions 32a, 33a of the panel 16.

The support channel 28 is secured to the web portion 23a by the rear portion of a pair of hook members 48 (FIG. 2) and by screws 50 (FIG. 3) which also serve to secure the hook members in place. The rear portions of the hook members 48 extend through a pair of slots 52 in the web portion 280 of the support channel and through the pair of slots 46 in the edge channel 23, which are aligned therewith. This is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, as well as in FIG. 3. The hook members 48 each have an upper inclined surface 480 for clearance purposes, and a lower surface 48!) inclined upwardly and toward the web portion 280 that serves as a camming surface for the movable spline 26. The latching portion of each hook member extends downward and is formed by a vertical surface 48c spaced outwardly from the web portion 280 of the juncture strip 28.

The two facing channel portions 28b, 28c that extend along opposite sides of the web portion flanges 28a, 28a" of the juncture strip 28 open inwardly toward each other, and have flat, parallel, transverse surfaces 28b, and 280'. The apertures 30 are formed in the surface 28b and similar apertures 30' are formed in the surface 280'. As shown, these apertures are rectangular in shape, elongated vertically and spaced at equal intervals along the full height of the juncture strip 28. The apertures may be provided in only one of the surfaces 28b, 286, if desired, and are of a suitable shape to facilitate a desired construction of a mounting clip or the like. The rectangular shape utilized in the preferred embodiment shown is esthetically pleasing as well as functional. In a preferred embodiment, the transverse distance between the surfaces 28b and 280' is less than the transverse distance between the opposite surfaces 14a, 14b or 16a, 16b of the two partition-forming panels between which the juncture strip is located. As a result, the surfaces 28b and 280' are recessed with respect to the surfaces 14, 14b and 16a, 16b of the associated panels. When the juncture strip 28 is secured to the edge channel 23, the offset web portion 28a is received between the channel portions 33a, 34a of the panel 16 and is flush against the edge channel 23.

The spline member 26, which can be moved vertically and laterally with respect to the partition members being connected, is generally channel shaped, with a web portion 26a and two flange portions 26b, 260. The flange portions 26b, 260 are received between the channel portions 31a, 32a. A friction fit is provided, which allows vertical and lateral movement of the spline member with respect to the edge channel 22 and channel portions 31a, 32a. The spline member 26 has a pair of hooks 54 secured to the web portion 260 and extc nding laterally in the same direction as the flange portions 26b, 261:. The hooks are positioned to cooperate with the slots 44 in the edge channel 22. Vertically elongated slots 56 are formed in the web portion 260, directly beneath the hooks 54 and cooperate with the books 48 of the juncture strip 28. The hooks 54 project upward, being formed by upwardly open vertical slots 54a and have upper cam surfaces 54b that slope upwardly in a direction toward the web portion 260 of the spline member. The cam surfaces 54b cooperate with the upper edges of the slots 44 to move the spline member 26 laterally in response to upward movement relative to the edge channel 22.

The manner in which the spline member 26 connects the panel members l4, 16 can be best understood from FIGS. 4 to 7. FIGS. 4 and 6 illustrate the two panel members 14, 16 with the vertical edges 14c, 16d, abutting the channel portions of the juncture strip 28 and with the spline member 26 in a lower vertical position and laterally adjacent the edge channel 22. The hooks 54 extend through the slots 44 of the edge channel 22 and the slots 56 of the spline 26 areopposite the hooks 48 of the juncture strip 28. The spline 26 is movable vertically, as by the application of force to an end thereof. Upward vertical movement of the spline member 26 causes the inclined surfaces 54b of the hooks 54 on the spline member to move the spline member laterally away from the edge channel 22, toward the juncture strip 28 and edge channel 23. As the spline member moves in the direction indicated, to the right in the orientation of FIGS. 4 to 7, the hook members 48 are received in the apertures 56 of the spline member. At the locations where the vertical surfaces 48c of the hook members 48 clear web 26a beneath the slots 56, the vertical surfaces 540 of the slots 54 are aligned with the web portions 22a of the edge channel 22. Further vertical movement of the spline member 26 is accomplished without further lateral movement. As a result, the hooks 54 move to a latching relationship with the web portion 220 and the web portion 260 of the spline member moves to a latching position with respect to the hooks 48. This is shown in FIG. 7. The spline member is retained in its upper position by the frictional engagement of the flange portions, 26b, 26c, with the channel portions 31a, 32a of the panel 14.

The mounting clip or bracket 32 on the cabinet 12 is shown in detail in FIG. 8 and is comprised of a first plate portion 60 and a smaller connected plate portion 62 at right angles thereto. The larger plate portion 60 is adapted to be secured to the back surface of a cabinet or board and for that purpose is provided with a plurality of apertures 63, 64, 65, 66. Typically, only two apertures 63 and 64 or 65 and 66 are used, the former on boards such as chalk boards which have a limited border area for receiving screws and the latter for cabinets having a larger area for attachment. The elongated shape of the aperture 65 allows for a variation in screw spacing desirable for use on cabinets.

The smaller plate portion 62 is flush with a lower edge 68 of the plate portion 60 and terminates short of an upper edge 69. In the preferred construction, the two plate portions 60, 62 are part of a single plate and are bent to the right angle relationship shown. The small portion is die cut to form two books 71 72 at the distal edge 73. The length of each hook along the distal edge is slightly less than the height of the apertures 30 or 30' and the thickness is somewhat less than the width of the apertures to facilitate attachment and removal of the mounting clip or bracket and the associated cabinet or other article to a partition. Each hook 71, 72 is in part formed by a recess 71a, 72a, respectively, that receives a part of the surface 28b or 28c of the juncture strip 28. Substantially vertical edge surfaces 75, 76 beneath the hooks 71, 72, respectively, rest against the surface 2b or 28c and hold the plate portion 60 spaced from the surface 28b or 28c a distance approximately equal to or slightly greater than the depth to which the juncture strip is recessed from the parallel fa'ce surfaces of the panels 14 and 16. It will be understood that left and right hand brackets are provided at opposite side edges of cabinets, boards, or like articles so that the smaller plate portions are substantially flush with the side edge of the article and the larger plate portions extend laterally inwardly behind the article.

From the above description, it will be apparent that the combination juncture strip and support channel 28 provides an attractive mounting means that is integral with the partition structure, forming a part of the juncture between adjacent panels or other members, is attractive in appearance, and will accommodate the attachment and support of a wide variety of articles. The structure will readily accommodate mounting apertures on one or both sides of partition structure, completely eliminate the need for attaching separate mounting strips, plates or brackets to the panel members or other partition structure and inherently pro vides such support structure at frequent and convenient intervals across the span and along the height of the partition.

While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, it will be appreciated that various modifications or alterations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Structure defining a juncture between adjacent edges of panel members, comprising edge-defining means along two adjacent panel members, interlocking means between and engageable with said edge-defining means for connecting said two panel members together with the edge defining means adjacent to each other but spaced, and a one-piece juncture strip positioned entirely between said edge defining means and having a channel shaped portion recessed relative to face portions of said panel members, said channel portion having a substantially flat portion defining an external surface, and a plurality of apertures through said flat portion at regularly spaced intervals along at least a substantial portion of the length thereof, constructed to receive a support bracket, mounting clip, or the like, said panel interlocking means in part being carried by said juncture strip and securing together said edge defining means and said juncture strip.

2. Connecting structure for panel members comprising two edge members adapted to face each other and be secured to and extend along opposed edges of two adjacent panel members, interlocking means between said panel edges for connecting said two edge members together, including a one-piece juncture strip fastened to one of said edge members and having two channel shaped portions positioned between and recessed relative to said two edge members and spaced from each other across the width of the edge members with an open part of each channel shaped portion facing the other, said channel portions each having a substantially flat portion defining an external surface, and a plurality of apertures through said flat portion of at least one of said channel portions at regularly spaced intervals along at least a substantial portion of the length thereof, constructed to receive a support bracket, mounting clip, or the like.

3. Connecting structure for panel members, comprising two edge members adapted to face each other and be secured to and extend along opposed edges of two adjacent panel members, interlocking means for connecting said two edge members together, including a one-piece juncture strip fastened to one of said edge members and a locking strip, said juncture strip having two channel shaped portions positioned between said two edge members and spaced from each other across the width of the edge members with an open channel portion of each facing the other, said channel portions each having a substantially flat portion defining an external surface, and a plurality of apertures through said flat portion of at least one of said channel portions at regularly spaced intervals along at least a substantial portion of the length thereof, constructed to receive a support bracket, mounting clip, or the like, and said locking strip being movable longitudinally and laterally relative to said two edge members and juncture strip and including means for connecting said two edge members and juncture strip together in response to relative lateral and longitudinal movement of the locking strip.

4. A partition structure including, in combination, two upright members forming at least part of a partition, means securing said upright members together with a surface of each adjacent to and spaced in a horizontal direction from the other, and a vertical member between said upright members with a surface extending across the distance between the upright members, a plurality of vertically aligned apertures in said last-mentioned surface along a substantial portion of said vertical member, a support bracket secured to said vertical member and a cabinet secured to said support bracket, said support bracket comprising first and second connected plate portions at right angles to each other, said first portion being substantially larger in area than said second portion, extending beyond one edge of said second portion, and having apertures through which fasteners secure the support bracket to a surface of said cabinet that faces said upright members, and said second portion having a distal edge notched to form a plurality of aligned hooks, said hooks being received in a plurality of said vertically aligned apertures.

5. Structure defining ajuncture between panel members comprising edge-defining means along two adjacent panel members, interlocking means and engageable with said edge-defining means for connecting said two panel members together with the edge-defining means adjacent to each other but spaced, and a onepiece juncture strip positioned entirely between said edge-defining means and having two channel shaped portions each adjacent to an opposite face portion of said panel members, said channel portions each having a substantially flat portion defining an external surface and a plurality of apertures at regularly spaced intervals along at least a substantial portion of the length thereof, constructed to receive support brackets, mounting clips, or the like, said panel interlocking means in part being carried by said juncture strip and securing together said edge-defining means and said juncture strip.

6. A partition structure including in combination, two panel members each with an edge adjacent to and spaced from the other, a narrow member between said panel members having a central portion connected to one of said adjacent edges of said panel members and two channel shaped portions forming two opposite edges of said central portion and serving to space said panel members apart, each channel shaped portion having a flat surface facing outwardly of the partition structure, and an open channel portion facing inwardly, apertures in at least one of said flat surfaces constructed to receive hooks of a support bracket, mounting clip, or the like, and connecting means, in part carried by said narrow member, releasably interlocking the other of said panel members to said one panel member to which said narrow member is secured.

7. A partition structure including in combination, two panel members each with an edge adjacent to and spaced from the other, a narrow member between said panel members having a central portion connected to one of said adjacent edges of said panel members and two channel shaped portions along two opposite edges of said central portion spacing said panel members apart, each channel shaped portion having a flat surface facing outwardly of the partition structure, and an open channel portion facing inwardly, apertures in at least one of said flat surfaces constructed to receive hooks of a support bracket, connecting means in part carried by said narrow member releasably interlocking the other of said panel members to said one panel member to which said narrow member is secured, and a support bracket secured to said apertured flat surface, said bracket comprising first and second plate portions at right angles to each other the first portion being securable to an article to be supported and the second portion having an edge notched to form hooks receivable in said apertures, the hooks each being smaller than the corresponding dimension of the apertures so that the hooks are receivable directly into the apertures without tilting the bracket.

i l' l 

1. Structure defining a juncture between adjacent edges of panel members, comprising edge-defining means along two adjacent panel members, interlocking means between and engageable with said edge-defining means for connecting said two panel members together with the edge defining means adjacent to each other but spaced, and a one-piece juncture strip positioned entirely between said edge defining means and having a channel shaped portion recessed relative to face portions of said panel members, said channel portion having a substantially flat portion defining an external surface, and a plurality of apertures through said flat portion at regularly spaced intervals along at least a substantial portion of the length thereof, constructed to receive a support bracket, mounting clip, or the like, said panel interlocking means in part being carried by said juncture strip and securIng together said edge defining means and said juncture strip.
 2. Connecting structure for panel members comprising two edge members adapted to face each other and be secured to and extend along opposed edges of two adjacent panel members, interlocking means between said panel edges for connecting said two edge members together, including a one-piece juncture strip fastened to one of said edge members and having two channel shaped portions positioned between and recessed relative to said two edge members and spaced from each other across the width of the edge members with an open part of each channel shaped portion facing the other, said channel portions each having a substantially flat portion defining an external surface, and a plurality of apertures through said flat portion of at least one of said channel portions at regularly spaced intervals along at least a substantial portion of the length thereof, constructed to receive a support bracket, mounting clip, or the like.
 3. Connecting structure for panel members, comprising two edge members adapted to face each other and be secured to and extend along opposed edges of two adjacent panel members, interlocking means for connecting said two edge members together, including a one-piece juncture strip fastened to one of said edge members and a locking strip, said juncture strip having two channel shaped portions positioned between said two edge members and spaced from each other across the width of the edge members with an open channel portion of each facing the other, said channel portions each having a substantially flat portion defining an external surface, and a plurality of apertures through said flat portion of at least one of said channel portions at regularly spaced intervals along at least a substantial portion of the length thereof, constructed to receive a support bracket, mounting clip, or the like, and said locking strip being movable longitudinally and laterally relative to said two edge members and juncture strip and including means for connecting said two edge members and juncture strip together in response to relative lateral and longitudinal movement of the locking strip.
 4. A partition structure including, in combination, two upright members forming at least part of a partition, means securing said upright members together with a surface of each adjacent to and spaced in a horizontal direction from the other, and a vertical member between said upright members with a surface extending across the distance between the upright members, a plurality of vertically aligned apertures in said last-mentioned surface along a substantial portion of said vertical member, a support bracket secured to said vertical member and a cabinet secured to said support bracket, said support bracket comprising first and second connected plate portions at right angles to each other, said first portion being substantially larger in area than said second portion, extending beyond one edge of said second portion, and having apertures through which fasteners secure the support bracket to a surface of said cabinet that faces said upright members, and said second portion having a distal edge notched to form a plurality of aligned hooks, said hooks being received in a plurality of said vertically aligned apertures.
 5. Structure defining a juncture between panel members comprising edge-defining means along two adjacent panel members, interlocking means and engageable with said edge-defining means for connecting said two panel members together with the edge-defining means adjacent to each other but spaced, and a one-piece juncture strip positioned entirely between said edge-defining means and having two channel shaped portions each adjacent to an opposite face portion of said panel members, said channel portions each having a substantially flat portion defining an external surface and a plurality of apertures at regularly spaced intervals along at least a substantial portion of the length thereof, constructed to receive support braCkets, mounting clips, or the like, said panel interlocking means in part being carried by said juncture strip and securing together said edge-defining means and said juncture strip.
 6. A partition structure including in combination, two panel members each with an edge adjacent to and spaced from the other, a narrow member between said panel members having a central portion connected to one of said adjacent edges of said panel members and two channel shaped portions forming two opposite edges of said central portion and serving to space said panel members apart, each channel shaped portion having a flat surface facing outwardly of the partition structure, and an open channel portion facing inwardly, apertures in at least one of said flat surfaces constructed to receive hooks of a support bracket, mounting clip, or the like, and connecting means, in part carried by said narrow member, releasably interlocking the other of said panel members to said one panel member to which said narrow member is secured.
 7. A partition structure including in combination, two panel members each with an edge adjacent to and spaced from the other, a narrow member between said panel members having a central portion connected to one of said adjacent edges of said panel members and two channel shaped portions along two opposite edges of said central portion spacing said panel members apart, each channel shaped portion having a flat surface facing outwardly of the partition structure, and an open channel portion facing inwardly, apertures in at least one of said flat surfaces constructed to receive hooks of a support bracket, connecting means in part carried by said narrow member releasably interlocking the other of said panel members to said one panel member to which said narrow member is secured, and a support bracket secured to said apertured flat surface, said bracket comprising first and second plate portions at right angles to each other the first portion being securable to an article to be supported and the second portion having an edge notched to form hooks receivable in said apertures, the hooks each being smaller than the corresponding dimension of the apertures so that the hooks are receivable directly into the apertures without tilting the bracket. 